Let's break this down a bit, gastro refers to your stomach, which is highly acidic (think lemons and vinegar). In connection we have esophageal, simply stating that the gastric acid is refluxing (backflowing) into the esophagus. You have muscles surrounding the end of the esophagus forming a sphincter, typically this prevents backflow, but not always.When it fails the tissue lining your esophagus is exposed to acid, ouch! Only your stomach's special tissue lining can handle that. Most of us have experienced gastric reflux; recall that burning feeling after throwing up? Exactly. When someone has the unfortunate case of frequent recurrence of this problem we call it GERD and their esophagus tissue becomes injured and this can cause pain, bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk for infection and cancer.
This disease process is quite common and can occur in all ages and types of people. Fortunately it can be treated and usually kept in control if treatment begins early. Medications are commonly used for maintenance therapy. Though depending on how severe the disease has progressed, GERD may cause enough damage to require surgery.
Some ways to prevent GERD from affecting you could include some of these lifestyle modifications:
healthy body weight, limit spicy, acidic, fatty, carbonated, and caffeinated foods, eat small meals, do not lie down after eating, quit smoking, and limit alcohol intake.
References:
1. Clinic, M. (2015, January 1). Diseases and Conditions GERD. Retrieved April 1, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/basics/symptoms/con-20025201
2. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. (2014, January 1). Retrieved April 2, 2015, from http://www.sts.org/patient-information/esophageal-surgery/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease#2
3. Thompson Jr., D. (2015, January 1). 10 Ways to Prevent GERD. Retrieved April 3, 2015, from http://www.everydayhealth.com/gerd/preventing.aspx
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